Circuit-breaker



L. C. REED CIRCUIT BREAKER Dec. 1, 1931.

Filed Nov. 15,

1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 ZA/VEN To@ jmd/5 C'. Pega.

HTTo/Q/VEV Dec. l, 1931. L. c. REED 1,834,550

C IRCUIT.1 BREAKER L f2 425 4f! 37%@ "W7/a5- l/ ,I .5

IN VENTO?? @man C Feen( QTTO/QNEY Dea-1, 1931. LQREED g 1,834,550

CIRCUIT BREAKER Filed Nov. l5, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 La' w Dtc. l', 1931. L, Q REED 1,834,550

' CIRCUIT BREAKER Filed Nov. l5, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ZN/VENTO?? @man C Pesa( BY @7% M IC) TT@ 1.? /NE-:v/

Patented Dec. 1, 1931 PATENT OFFICE LYMAN C. REED, F NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA CIRCUIT-BREAXEB.

Application led November 15, 1928-. Serial No. 319,480.

This invention relates generally to electrical devices and, more particularly, to certain new and useful improvements in electrical devices of the type commonly known as circuitbreakers.

My invention has for an object the provision in a circuit-breaker of co-operable contact-members which are simultaneously movable in opposite directions the one with re- 104 spect to the other for effecting rapid separation thereof to open or break the circuit. y

My invention has for another object the provision in a circuit-breaker of means for mechanically suppressing or breaking an arc l5 that may occur between the contact-members on separation thereof.

My invention has for still another object the provision in a circuit-breaker of means for ei'ecting'dispersion or dissipation of, and

thereby preventing the growing of a short circ it by, the hot gases ofan arc occurring on separation of the contact-members.

My invention has for afurther object the provision in a circuit-breaker of co-operable contact-members and means for isolating the same the one from the other on separation thereof on opening the circuit on an abnormal condition occurring therein.

My invention has for astill further object the provision in a circuit-breaker of co-operable contact-members and means for automatically effecting separation of the contactmembers for opening the circuit on an" abnormal condition occurring therein.

My invention has for a still further object the provision in a circuit-breaker of co-operable contact-members that may be manually manipulated to close and open the circuit under normal conditions and which are auo tomatically actuable toopen the circuit under an abnormal condition.

My invention has for an additional object the improvement generally of electrical devices of the type stated.

And with the above and other objects in view, my invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, arrangement), and combination of parts hereinafter de-l scribed and pointed out in the claims'.

accompanying drawings (4 the engageable-ends of the contact-members being in circuit-closing engagement;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of the circuit-breaker of Figure 1, the engageable-ends of the contact-members being in spaced circuit-opening position as when the circuitbreaker is manually actuated;

Figure 3 lis also a fragmentary view of the circuit-breaker of Figure 1, the engageableends of the contact-members being in more widely spaced circuit-opening position as when the circuit-breaker is automatically actuated or tripped on an overload;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on the line 4--4l-, Figure 1, showing the toggle-means for actuatlng the contact-members in set or fully 'extended osition as when the circuit is closed as in ure 1;

Figure 5 is a similar view taken approximately on the line 5-5, Figure 2, showing the contact-members actuating toggle-means in flexed or partly extended position as when the circuit is manually opened as in Figure 2;

Figure 6 is also a similar view taken approximately on the line 6-6, Figure 3, showing the contact-members actuating togglemeans in fully lfolded position vas when the circuit is automatically opened on an overload as in Figure 3; v

Figure 7 is a front elevational view of a slightly modified form of circuit-breaker embodying my invention, the front wall of the housing being removed and the engageableends of the contact-members being in circuitclosing position;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the circuit-breaker of Figure 7, showing details of the trigger mechanism for automatically effecting actuation of the contact-members to open the circuit as on an overload;

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on the line 9 9, Fi showing the toggle-means for actuating the contact-members in set or fully extended position as when the circuit is closed;

Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately on the line 10-10, Figure 7, showing the trigger-mechanism as when moved to impinge or engage the contact-members actuating toggle-means to automatically open the circuit;

Fi ure 11 is a perspective view of the circuitreaker of Figure 7, equipped with an indicator for visually signalling the position of the enclosed orl housed contact-members;

Figure 12 is a plan view of another slightly l modified form of circuit-breaker embodying my invention, 'adapted especially for protecting a three-phase high voltage circuit, the top Wall of the housing being removed;

Figure 13 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 155-13, Figure 12, showing a plurality of contact-member chambers in a single housing, each chamber enclosing a modified form of circuit-breaker of my invention and the several mechanisms being ganged or co-operatively associated and connected for simultaneous actuation, respective posit-ions of the parts being indicated by full, dotted, and dot-and-dash lines;

Figure 14 is a detail sectional view taken approximately on the line 14-14, Figure 13, s owing details of the trigger-mechanism for effecting automatically actuation of' the contact-members to open the circuit as on an overload;

Figure 15 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the circuit-breaker of Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, portions of the housing being broken away; and

Figure 16 is a similar view of the modified form of circuit-breaker of Figures 7 to 11, inclusive.

Referring now more in detail and by reference characters to the accompanying drawings, and first to the preferred form of my new circuit-breaker shown in Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, and Figure 15, the circuit-breaker includes a housing A of suitable contour and constructed preferably of any suitable insulation material, the front andytop walls 1 and 2, respectively, thereof being preferably removable or detachable for facilitating assembly of parts.

Preferably, for purposes shortly appearing, the housing A is divided interiorly by a vertically disposed partition 3 to include adjoining chambers a and a, and fixed within and upon the base 4 of chamber (1 is a pair of spaced insulation bloc-ks 5, 6, which are of suitable heighth and which preferably extend from -front to rear of chamber a. Suitably, as by screws 7, fixed upon the front face of, and spanning thel space between, the blocks 5, 6, for co-operation therewith in the formation of a plunger-well 8 in chamber a,

is an insulation plate 9.

Disposed for reciprocatory movement in,

and guided in its reciprocations by the walls of, the well 8, is an insulation block or plunger 10, recessed upon its under face, as at 11, to seat an end portion of a suitable eXpansion-spring 12, whose other end portion is disposed upon the base wall 4, which spring functions to yieldingly urge the block 10 upwardly or outwardly in the well 8.

Disposed upon the blocks 5, 6, preferably adjacent the front wall 1 of the housing A, are conducting pieces or terminals 13, and suitably hinged or pivoted, as at 1li-14, to the respective terminals 13, are preferably L-or hook-shaped contact-members 15, 15, presented u iwardly in the chamber a and comprising flat strips of conducting material bent laterally at their respective upper or free ends to provide opposed engageableends 16. It may be here stated that the contact-members 15, 15, are simultaneously swingable in opposite directions to separate and space their ends 16 to open the circuit, as in Figures 2, 3, and 15` vor to bring them together into engaging relation to close the circuit'being protected, as in Figure 1, the circuit being indicated by the line and load wires B and C attached directly or indirectly to the respective terminals 13 by suitable binding-screws 17, which latter may also serve to secure the terminals 13 upon the respective blocks 5, 6. To obviate arcing at the hinge-joints 14 and insure line-connection with the contact-members 15, pigtails 18, 18, suitably also electrically connect the contact-members 15 with the respective terminals 13.

Fixed upon theL inner face, and adjacent the hinge-joints 14, of the respective contactmembers 15, are arms 19, and pivoted at their opposite ends to the arms 19 and to the block 10. are links 20, whereby the contact-members 15 are adapted for swingable actuation toward and away from each other as the plunger-block 10 is caused to respectively move downwardly and upwardly in its accommodating well 8, and it may be here stated that, when the engageable-ends 16 are in electrical circuit-closing engagement, the

contact-members 15 incline towards each other, as shown in Figure 1; that, when the breaker is normally manually actuated to open the circuit, the contact-members 15 are disposed in approximately parallel relation` as shown in Figure 2: and that. when the breaker is automatically tripped to effect opening of the circuit as on an overload` the contact-members 15 fly apart and are then inclined away from each other, as shown in Figure 3;

Disposed in chamber a and upon the insulation block v6 to the rear of the one contactmember 15, is an insulation block 21, suitably fixed to and upon the inner face of which is an insulation bracket or arm 22, and depending from the forward end of the arm 22 is an extension or wing 23, whose lower edge is preferably ,of acuminate formation and disposed adjacent the line of contact of the contact-ends 16 and whose forward and upper edges are adapted for` engagement with the walls 1 and 2, respectively, of the housinn` A, all for pur oses soon to appear.`

t will now descri e the means for actuating the plunger-block'lO'to swingably shift thecontact-members 15 to close or open the circuit. This mechanism is in the form of a toggle which includes a lever 24 pivoted intermediate its ends, as at 25, to and upon the inner face of the bracket 22, 'and a link-connection which, in turn, comprises a pair of `insulationmembers of arms 26 disposed in parallelism upon opposite, sides, and conjointly pivoted at an end, as at 27, to the lower end, of lever 24, and having a portion disposed between and pivotally connected, as at 28, to the arms 26is a second arm 29 provided with an extension 30,-which fits in a recess 31 formed in the upper-face of, and which is pivotally connected, as at 32,'to the block 10. Upon their rear edge and adjacent their lower end, the arms 26 are provided with a shoulder, recess, or the like, as at 33, whereby the arms 26 are adapted for engagement with a co-operating abutment or cross-pin 34 provided in the arm 29. Thusv at 35, provided for the purpose in the'housing top wall 2, and is preferably equipped, as shown, with a gripping-handle or knob 36, the lever being limited in its swingable movement in one direction 1by engagement with a stop-pin 37 suit bly provided upon the bracket 22; and formed on lever 24 is a laterally extending finger 24a adapted for co-operating engagement, for purposes soon to appear, with a stop-pin 38 fixed upon and extending between the toggle-arms 26.I

When the toggle-mechanism is fully eX- tended as in Figure 4, the lever 24 inclines rearwardly and engages the stop-pin 37, the. block or plunger 10 is in its lowermost position closely adjacent the housing base-wall 4, the spring 12 compressed to its fullest extent, the engageable ends 16 of the contactmembers 15 are firmly engaged with each other, as in Figure l, and the protected circuit is closed. The spring 12'now yieldingly urges the block 10 upwardly against the toggle to cause the toggle-mechanism to fold or Hex either rearwardly or forwardly. When so extended, it will be noted, particularly by reference to Figure 4, that the hingejoint 28 is slightly offset towards the rear of the linear direction of the pivot-points 27 and 32, and hence rearward folding or flexing of the toggle-mechanism at the hingejoint 28 is prevented by the relative engagement of the abutments 33, 34, while forward folding or flexing thereof about the pivot 27 is prevented by the engagement of lever' 24 with the stop-pin 37.

The circuit-breaker may now be manually actuated to open the circuit by swingably manipulating the lever 24 at its handle 36 forwardly, movement of the lever in such direction being limited as by engagement of its linger 24a with the second stop-pin 38.

On such forward pivoted movement of lever 24, the pivot-point 27 thereof is shifted rearwardly and the linear distance between the pivot-points 25 and 32 thereby shortened, permitting the plunger 10 t0 move upwardly under the tension of its power-spring'12,

wherebykthe contact-members 15 are swingably actuated away from each other to separate and space their ends 16 a suliicient distance to open the circuit, as shown in Figures 2 and 5.

On reverse pivoted actuation of lever 24,

the toggle-mechanism vis again fully eX- tended, plunger 10 fully depressed, and the contact-members 15 swingably actuated toward'each other, vand their ends 16 thereby again brought into engaging electrical relation to close the circuit. Thus the circuitbreaker may as a switch be manually actuated with ease and convenience under normal load conditions, when any occurring arcing is notvexcessive and a relatively slight gap between the ends 16 will sufiice to eiliciently interrupt the flow of current, to open and close the circuit.

Further, however, to automatically open and thereby protect the circuit as on an overload, or other abnormal condition, I provide mechanism, more fully later described, which, it may be here merely said, includes a swingable trigger-armature 39 that is adapted with suilicient impact, -the toggle-mechanism being fully extended as in circuit-closing position, to engage or impinge the toggle-mechanism at the rule or pivot-joint 28 and throw the same forwardly of the linear. direction of the pivot-points 27, 32. Under the tension or power of the spring 12, the togglemechanism is thereby caused to fold forwardly. permitting the plunger 10 to snap upwardly, and thereby simultaneously swing breaker is trip-free, that is to say, the to gleeonnection may be automatically trippe and the contact-members 15 swingably actuated to open the circuit even though the lever 24 be manually or otherwise held or retained in its normal circuit-closing position. In such separation of the contact-ends 16, however, the stop-pin 38 is carried forwardly into engaging relation with the lever-finger 24a, as seen in Figure 6. To now again close the circuit, the lever 24 is first pivotally shifted forwardly into the position thereof illustrated in Figure 5, in which movement, under the engagement of finger 24a with the pin 38, the lever 24 and arms 26 function, so to speak, as a bell-crank and eect, in connection with the arm 29, partial extension of the toggle mechanism and. thereby partial depression of plunger 10, with the result that the contact-members 15 are brought again into normal circuit-opening position, the part-s then being in the position thereof illustrated in Figures 2 .and 5. As will later appear, the armature-bar 39 is yieldingly returned to normal position on opening of the circuit; however, on such extension of the toggle mechanism, it may be here stated, the toggle would otherwise mechanically engage the bar 39 and pivotally actuate the same out of its tripping-position. The lever 24 is now again pivotally shifted rearwardly, which effects full extension of the toggle mechanism and thereby full depression of plunger 10, with, likewise, the result that the contactmembers 15 are further swingably actuated toward each other and their ends 16 brought into normal circuit-closing engagement, as in Figure 1.

Now, when the circuit-breaker is tripped or actuated on an overload or other abnormal condition, at which time the current is large, arcing is severe, and hot gases are created in the housing A, the sudden snap movement of the plunger l() generates a pressure wave which causes a circulation of the air in chamber a and thereby the hot gases'of the arc are carried away from the contact-members 15 and their ends 16 and dissipated or dispersed into atmosphere through the lever-slot 35 or through additional exhaust-openings b provided for the purpose in the housing topwall 2, as shown.

The toggle-arms 26 and 29 are constructed of suitable insulation material and are preferably in the form of vanes having the contour best seen in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 15. When the toggle-mechanism is extended, the vanes or arms 26, 29, interleave, as shown 1n Figures 4 and 5, but when the toggle-link is 6o folded 'forwardly on a breaking of the circuit on an overload or other abnormal condition, the vanes 26, 29, are expanded into overlapping relation, or into the formation best seen in Figure 15, and are located intermediate the contact-members 15 and their ips-1,550

ends 16. When so thrown lforwardly, the toggle-vanes 26, 29, thus form a wall or partition between the contact-members 15 and divide the chamber a into compartments, as shown in Fig. 15, in which the contact-members 15 are respectively isolated. I might add that the contour of the vanes 26, 29, is such that on the formation of such partition, the conjoined, spaced arms 26 receive therebetween at their upper edge, the acuminate lower edge of the wing 23, the vanes 26 at the same time approximately contacting at their forward edge with the front wall 1 of housing A and at their lower margin overlapping the vane 29. Likewise, the vane 29 at its front edge approximately contacts with the front wall 1 of the housing A and at its bottom edge contacts with the upper face of the plunger block 10.

The vanes 26 and 29 are disposed closely adjacent the inner face of block 21, as seen in Figure 15, with the result that said partition thus substantially interposes an insulating body into the path of and thereby suppresses or breaks any arc that may occur on an automatic breaking of the circuit as on an overload or other abnormal condition.

Inasmuch as the trigger-mechanism for effectingauto'matic actuation or tripping of the toggle-mechanism to break the circuit on ,an overload or other abnormal condition is sive, and Figure 16, of the drawings, I willI first briefly describe such modified form of the circuit-breaker. Accordingly, referring now more Aspecifically to Figures 7-11, inclusive, and Figure 16 of the drawings, A designates the housing, 1 the front wall of the housing 8, the plunger well, 10 the plunger reciprocable in the well 8, 13 thc line terminals, 15 the opposed contact-members pivoted for swingable movement on the terminals 13', and 16 the engageable cndsof the contact-members, the contact-members 15 being pivotally connected to the plungerblock 10 by the links 20. Comprising the toggle-mechanism, is a lever 24, parallel spaced arms 26 conjointly pivoted at an end. as at 27 to the lower end of lever 24, and an arm 29 pivotally connected at an end, as at 28', to the arms 26 and at its opposite end, as at 32', Vto the block 10. Provided in the arm 26, is a cross-pin or abutment 33 adapted for engagement with a shoulder' or face 34 of the arm 29 in the formation similarly of a rule-joint to limit the relative rearward folding movement of the arms 26, 29; and formed on the lever 24 is the' finger-extension 24a adapted for (zo-operative engagement with the stop-pin 38 similarly provided upon and between the arms 26.

In function and operation, such parts are similar to like parts of the preferred form of my circuit-breaker, the plunger block 10 being fully depressed against the tension of the spring 12 and the engageable ends 16 of the contact-members 15 being in electrical-engagement, circuit-closing position when the togglemechanism is fully extended, as in Figures 7 and 9, the contact-members 15 and their ends 16 being widely spaced, asshown in Figure 16, and the circuit broken when the toggle mechanism is automatically tripped by the magnet-bar 39, and the contact-members 15 and ltheir ends '16 being less widely spaced to open the circuit when the lever 24 is manually actuated, all as fully herein described in connection with the preferred form of the circuit-breaker, the stop 37 'for limiting the rearward pivotal movement of the lever 24 being preferably in the form of an insulation block suitably fixed to and upon the rear wall of the housing A and provided at its front end with a beveled face 37a, Aas best seen in Figure 9.

However, in the modified form of the circuit-breaker, the arms 26 and 29 do not havethe vane formation or contour of the corresponding arms 26, 29, but mounted upon and upstanding from the plunger 10 and slidably engaging at a side margin in a guideslot 1a, extending longitudinally in the front wall 1 of the housing A, is an insulation partition 41, which extends from front to rear of chamber a and approximately contacts at one side face with the adjacent undercut inner face of the insulation block 21, as best seen in Figure 16.

An insulation wing orbracket 23 is suitably fixed to and upon the inner upper margin of the block 21, which wing is of such d 1- mension as to engage at its upper margin with the top housing-wall 2, at its 'front and rear margins with the front and rear housing-wall 1 and 42, respectlvely, and at 1ts 4lower margin to overlap the partition 41 When the latter is in elevated position, as when the circuit is opened as on an overload or other abnormal condition, as best seen in Figure 16, the partition 41 being spaced downwardly from the wing 23 when the plunger-block 10 is in depressed or lowered position, as illustrated in Figure 9. 4The contact-members 15 in this form of the circuit-breaker are preferably of approximately inverted L-shape, as best seen in Figures 7 and 16, and when the engageable-ends 16 thereof are in circuit-closing engagement, the contact-members 15 are disposed in approximately parallel relation, as best seen in Figure 7, with the end 16 of one of the contact-members 15 disposed over and across the top edge of the partition 41 and under l across the lower edge of the wing 23', all

sufficient to elevate tlie partition 41 vinto overlapping relation at its upper margin with the wing 23', but when thebreaker is tripped as on an overload, the plunger block 10. suddenly rises to its uppermost position, the ends 16 are caused to fly widely apart, and the partition 41 correspondingly moves upwardlywith the plunger 10 into overlapping relation with the wing 23 and thus in-co-operation with the wing 23 .interposes an insulation wall between the contact-members 15 and their ends 16', thereby similarly isolating or separating the contact-members 15 and their ends 16 the one from the other and suppressing or breaking any occurring are, while the sudden movement of the plunger 10 generates or creates an air-blowout eilecting dissipation or dispersion of the hot gases, all as hereinbefore more fully described.

Integral with or otherwise lixed to and upon theupper margin of the partition 41 is an upwardly presented extension 43, which, while normally, as when the circuit is closed, concealed within the housing A, is adapted, when the Apartition 41 is elevated on upward movement of the plunger 10"on abnormal opening of the circuit, tovproject outwardly through an opening 44 provided for the purpose in the housing top wall 2 to indicate or signal that the circuit is open.

l will now describe the trigger-mechanism for eifecting automatic actuation of the toggle-mechanism to-break the circuit as on l an overload or other abnormal condition.

Disposed in chamber a and supported by spaced pairs of suitable brackets 45 iXed to and projecting forwardly from the housing rear-wall 42, is an electromagnet D, which includes a coil 46 and a core 47, the latter having pole-pieces 47a and 47 b. As here shown, the coil 46 is in series with the'line B, a1- though it will be understood that the ma net D may be suitably electrically connecte in an associated shunt circuit and that a suitable relay or time delay device, not shown, may be incorporated therewith.

The magnet D is suitably spaced by the brackets 45 from the rear housing-wall 42, and adapted for co-operation with the magnet D, is the armature-bar 39. This bar 39 is disposed for oscillation in the space intermediate the magnet D and the rear housing wall 42 and, to such end, has one end pivoted, as at 48, opposite the one pole-piece 47a, upon one set of the brackets 45, and then projects laterally of the housing past the other pole piece 47?), the free end of the armature-bar 39 being disposed in the plane of, and in adjacent engageable relation with, the hingejoint 28 or 28, as the case may be, of the toggle-mechanism. At its free end, the armature-bar 39 is engagedby one end of a compression spring 49, mounted on-a link 50 pivoted at one end to a bracket 51 mounted on the rear housing wall 42 and pivotally coucient current passes through the magnet D to el'ect attraction of the bar 39, the bar 39 being thereby pulled forwardlyinto elec- Ytrical engagement with the pole piece 47 b and in such movement impinges or engages the hinge-joint 28 or 28', as the case may be, of the toggle mechanism, thereby tripping the same and etectin forward opening of the toggle and a brea ingvof the circuit, as

'hereinbefore more fully described, it being again observed that, on such tripping of the toggle mechanism, the contact-members, being both swingable, are thrown widely and rapidly apart with a consequent rapid break -in the circuit.

My new circuit-breaker may be built in all commercial voltages and sizes for switchboard service, power distribution centers, and other classes of service, and I might mention that in panel-board service, the breaker may take the place of the usual toggle switch and plug fuse. This application would have many advantages over present usage in that blown fuses with their consequent fire hazard and inconvenience would be entirely eliminated and the much faster and more certain action of the circuit-breaker would afford much greater protection to all wiring and devices which they service. When employed with a meter service entrance box, the breaker would eliminate many service calls upon the public utilities due to blown fuses, which the circuit-breaker would replace; and when v mounted in combination with service outlet for every kind of application, insteadof the present practice where a fuse ma be blown at some distant centre of distri ution, the circuit-breaker would be instant protection and service and could be immediately restored with great saving in convenience to user.

It may be now stated that the partition 3 functions to protect the magnet D and its associate parts from the gases or arc arising on a separation of the contact-members.

When the magnet D is energized by alternatin'g current owing through the coil 46, such current tends to set up a vibration in the trigger armature 39 whenthe critical point of its calibration is reached. This causes a more or less objectionable hum, and to overcome this objection, a suitable sound deadener 53, such as a pad of rubber or the like, is provided to absorb such vibrations, as best seen in Figures 8 to 10; and I may add that the spring 49 may also be employed in the calibration of the device, calibration being accomplished by employing springs ot' varied strength to provide suitable resistance to the pull of the electric magnet as may be desired, and means may also be provided for adjusting the pressure or pull of the spring in any suitable manner, 'as for example, moving the bracket" 51 towards or away from the trigger armature. l

While in Figures 1 to 11, both inclusive, I show a single pole or unit circuit-breaker of my invention, it will be understood that any number of units may be ganged or associated together and two, three, or four pole breakers obtained; and in Figures- 12, 14. inclusive. I show my new circuit-breaking adapted for use with a three-phase high voltage alternating current.

In this form of the circuit-breaker, several unit circuit-breakers are preferably ganged together for simultaneous actuation, and on account of the high voltages commonly used for three-phase circuit, the housing A' is preferably divided into a plurality of adjoining compartments by suitable partitions 54 slidably disposed between the several sets of insulation-blocks 5', 6', each compartment providing a chamber for a respective unit circuit-breaker, each of which circuit-breakers includes, as in the present instance shown, a plunger-block 10', contactmembers 15', and their associated parts as hereinbefore described, two shiftable partitions 41 in suitably spaced relation being provided upon the block 10', in lieu of the one partition 41 as described, which partitions, in turn, are adapted for wall forming relation with the beveled lower edge of fixed wings 23" on elevation of thc block 10 on the breaking of the circuit as on an overload, all substantially in the same manner as herein described in connection with the one partition 41 and the co-operating wing 23.

The tripping and trigger mechanisms are preferably` located exteriorly of the housin A', are preferably mounted on the top wall 2' thereof, and may be suitably enclosed,

if desired. Each of such trigger mechanisms v includes a yoke 55, mounted upon which for oscillation is the toggle-lever 24'. The lower toggle arm 29", which is pivotally connected at its one end to block 10', is lengthwise extended to project outwardl of the housing A through a slot provided o r the purpose in the housing wall 2', and pivotally connected to the upper end of the arm 29", are the arms 26', all as previouslydescribed. Fixed upon one leg of the yoke 55, is the magnet D, and suitably mounted for oscillation, as best seen in Figure 14, in the plane of the hinge joint 28', is the armature-bar 39.

It is necessary that all three-phases of the circuit be opened at the same time, and to such end I provide a rod 55 which connectsthe three pivot points 27 between the levers 24 and the arms 26 of the respective trigger-mechanisms. One ofthe levers 24 is extended, as shown, and similarly equipped with a handle 36, the bight ofthe yoke having a slot or other suitable means providing stop-abutments for limiting the movement of the lever-.extension to open and closed positions, respectively. Thus, by grasping the handle 36, the several levers 24 may be simultaneously moved to effect circuit-opening actuation of the circuit-breaker, as shown by dot and dash lines in Figure 13, or simultaneously returned to circuit-closing position, as indicated in full lines in Figure 13.

In order that an overload or other abnormal condition in one phase may trip all the breakers at the same time, I provide a tripper-bar 57 connecting the hinge-joints 28 'of the respective toggle-mechanism. When the toggles are set to close the circuit, the bar 57 is located adjacent the electromagnets and alined With the trigger armatures 39. Lugs 58 on the bar 57 are adapted for impingement by one of the other of the trigger armatures 39 on the occurrence of an overload or other abnormal condition in the respective electromagnets, the trigger-armatures 39 acting in the same manner as the trigger armatures heretofore described.

Preferably such circuit-breakers are remotecontrolled, and hence I do not deem it necessary to indicate the time delay devices or relays and the like, the use of which is Well known to the art. It will be readily understood that an overload or other abnormal condition in one phase will energize the electromagnet connected to that phase to impinge its trigger armature 39 against the corresponding lug 58 on the tripper-bar 57, thus simultaneously breaking all three toggjles to open their respective circuits as herein efore dcscribedand indicated in dotted lines in Figure 13 y I 'may here state that the housing A may be made oil tight and oil used as a dielectric (ill instead of air. In such use it will be readily apparent that the oil will be circulated in the chamber at each break and thus its dielectric strength will be maintained at a constant vallue. I may add that preferably the leads B to the respective contact-chambers all come into the housing A. from the same side. Likewise the leads C all come in on the other side. Thus there is no danger of a flash over the partitions 54 from adjacent compartments.

I may add that the manner in which the contaft-members of the breaker are link-connected to the plunger, which connection provides a multiple ratio of leverage between the contact-members and their Vactuating plunger further increases the speed of separation of the contact-members to break the circuit as on an abnormal condition occurring therein. i

The use of my invention and the manner of operating the same have lbeen fully set forth as the description proceeded. It is obvious that my invention maybe employed in other forms and arrangements than those disclosed, and it is, therefore, to be understood that changes in the form', construction, arrangement, and combination of the several parts of my new circuit-breaker may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described without departing from the nature and principle of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is, v

1. An electric circuit-breaker comprising, in combination, a pair of co-operable movable contact-members, means for actuating both said members into and out of engaging rela` 4tion for respectively closing and opening the circuit, and means for mechanically breaking an arc occurring on separation of said members.

2. An electriccircuit-breaker comprising, in combination, a pair of co-operable movable contact-members, means for actuating both said members into and out of engaging relation for respectively closing and opening the circuit, and means including an insulation body for mechanically breaking an arc occurring on separation of said members.

3. An electric' circuit-breaker comprising, in combination, a pair of co-operable swingable contact-members, means for swingably actuating both said members into and out of engaging relation for respectively closingl and opening the circuit, and means including an insulating body shiftable intermediate the spaced ends of said members on separation thereof for breaking an occurring arc.

4. An electric circuit-breaker comprising, in combination, a pair of co-operable swingable contact-members, means including a shiftable member for swingably actuating the contact-members into and out of engaging relation for respectively closing andA openin the circuit, and means including an insulating body having connection with the shiftable member adapted, on separation of the contact-members, for interposition between the engageable ends thereof for mechanically breaking an occurring arc.

5. An electric circuit-breaker comprising, in combination, a pair of co-operable swingable contact-members, means including a shiftable block for swingably actuating the contacting members into and out of engagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, said contact-members having pivoted connection with the block, and means including an insulatin body also having connection with the bloc adapted, on actuation l cluding co-operable relatively foldable inof the contact-members out of engagement, for interposition between the spaced ends thereof.

6. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, a shiftable member, `co-operable contact-members having pivoted link-connection with said member and adapted on shiftable movement thereof for swingable separation in opposed directions to open the circuit on an abnormal condition therein, and means including an insulating body having connection with the shiftable member adapted, on separation of the contact-members, for interposition between the engageable ends thereof.

7. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, a shiftable member, co-operable contact-members having pivoted link connection with said member and adapted on shiftable movement thereof for swingable separation in opposite directions to open the circuit on an abnormal condition therein, and means insulation members having connection with the shiftable member and adapted on separation of the contact-members to form a partitifon intermediate the engageable-ends thereo 8. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, a housing, co-operable contactmembers within the housing adapted for separation to open the circuit, and means for ,dividing the housing into compartments for isolating the contact-members one from the other on separation thereof.

9.. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, a housing, co-operable contact-mem'- bers Within the housing adapted for separation to open the circuit, and means for dividing the housinginto compartments for isolating the contact-members one from the other on separation thereof, said means comprising co-operable insulating members, one of which is movable relatively to the other.

l0. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination,` a housing, an insulation member fixed within the housing, co-operable contactmembers within the housing adapted for separation to open the circuit, and insulating means movable Within the housing adapted for co-operation with said fixed insulation member and the housing for dividing the housing into compartments for isolating the same the onefrom the other on separation thereof.

11. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, a housing, an insulation wing fixed Within the housing, a member shiftable within the housing, co-operable contact-members adapted on shiftable movement of said member for separation to open the circuit, and insulation means having connection with the .shiftable member adapted for co-operation with said Wing and the housing for dividing the housing into compartments for isolating the same the one from the other on separation thereof.

12. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, a housing, an insulation wing fixed within the housing, a member shift-able Within the housing, pivoted co-operable contactmembers adapted on shiftable movement of said member for swingable separation in opposite directions to open the-circuit, and insulation means having connection with the shiftable member adapted for co-operation with the wing in the formation of a partition intermediate the contact-members for isolating the same the one from the other on separation thereof.

13. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, a housing an insulation wing fixed within the housing, a member shiftable within the housing, pivoted co-operable contactmembcrs having pivoted link connection with said member and adapted on shiftable movement thereof for swingable separation to open the circuit, and insulation means including relatively foldable vanes having connection with the shiftable member adapted for co-operation with the wing in the formation of a partition intermediate the contact-members for isolating the same the one from the other on separation thereof.

14. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, a housing, an insulation wing fixed within the housing, a member mounted for circuit and for separation to o en the same, and means for actuatlng the shi table member in one direction to swingably actuate the contact-members into engaging relation to close the circuit, said means including relatively foldable insulation vanes adapted, on actuation of the shiftable member in the opposite direction to separate the contact-members, for co-operation with said Wing in the formation of a partition intermediate the separat-ed contact-members for isolating the same the one from the other.

15. An electric circuit-breaker comprising, in combination, a housing, co-operable contact-members adapted for swingable separation in opposed directions to open the circuit, and means including an insulation wing fixed within the housing for partly providing a partition between the contact-members on separation thereof. l

16. In an electric circuit-breaker, in conibination, a housing, co-operable contact-memy 17. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, a housing, co-operable contact-members pivoted within the housing for swingable separation to open the circuit, and means including a member shiftable in the housing for effecting air circulation within the housing onisepvaration of said members fordispersing the gases of an occurring arc.

18.l In an electric circuit-breaker, a housing having an aperture, a member shiftable in the housing, and co-operable contact-members each pivoted within the housing and having connection with said member, said contact-members being adapted, on actuation of said member inone direction, for'swingable separation to open the circuit, said member being adapted on said circuit-opening movement thereof to create a circulating air pressure wave for dispersing from the housing the gases 'of an occurring arc.

19. In an electric circuit-breaker, a housing having an aperture, a block mounted for reciprocation in the housing, pivoted contactmembers having connection with said member for swingable engagement and disengagement, to respectively close and open the circuit, means for actuating the block in one direction to effect circuit-closing-engagement of the contact-members, and means for actuating the block in the opposite direction to effect circuit opening-disengagement of the contact-members, said block being adapted on circuit-opening actuation thereof to create a circulating air pressure wave for dispersing from the vhousing the gases of an occurring arc.

20. In an electric circuit-breaker a housing having an aperture, a spring-pressed block mounted for reciprocation in the housing, pivoted contact-members having pivoted link-connection with said member for swingable engagement and disengagement to close and open the circuit, and means for actuating the block against the tension of said spring to effect circuitLclosing engagement of the contact-members, the block being yieldingly movable in the opposite direction to effect circuit-opening disen agement of the contact-members and a apted on such latter actuation to create a circula-ting air pressure wave for dispersing from the housing the gases of an occurring arc. g

p 21. |In an electric circuit-breaker, a housing, ai member yieldingly reciprocable in the housing, pivoted co-operable contact-members adapted on reciprocations of said member for swingable actuation toward and from each other to respectively close and open the circuit, and means including a lever and a foldable link for actuating the reciprocable member for elfecting swingable actuation of the contact-members for closing the circuit.

22. In an electric circuit-breaker, a housing, a block yieldingly reciprocablein the housing, contact-members vpivoted within the housing and having pivoted link connection with said member for swingable engagement and disengagement to respectively close and open the circuit on reci rocation of said member, and means including va lever and a foldable link for reciprocating the block to effect circuit-closing-engagement of Y the contact members.

23. In an electric circuit-breaker, a housing, a spring-pressed block reciprocable in the housing, contact-members pivoted within the housing and having pivoted link connection with said member for swingable engagement and disengagement to respectively close and open the circuit on reciprocations of said member, and means including a pivoted lever and a foldable link for actuatingthe block in one direction against the tension of said spring to effect circuit closing-en agement of the contactmembers, the bloc being shiftable in the opposite direction under the tension of said spring to effect circuitopening-disengagement of the contact members.

24. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, co-operable contact-members adapted for engagement for closing the circuit, a shiftable block having connection with the contact-members, and means including a toggle for shifting the block to actuate the contact-members into circuit closing-engagement. y I

25. In an electric circuit-breaker, co-operable contactmembers adapted for envagement for closing the circuit, a shiftable block having connection with the contact-members,

swingable engagement and disengagement for respectively closing and openinol the circuit, a spring-pressed shiftable blocek having pivoted connection with the contact-members, and means for shifting the block against the tension of the spring to actuate the contact-members into circuit-closing engagement, said means including a pivoted lever, and a toggle link-connection between the lever and the block.

28. In an electric circuit-breaker, a springpressed reciprocable member, pivoted co-oplactuation toward and from each other to respectively close and open the circuit, and means for actuating said member against the tension of the spring for effecting swingable actuation of the contact-members into circuit-closing engagement, said means including a toggle-link having pivoted connection at an end with the member, and a pivoted lever having pivoted connection at an end with the opposite end of the link, the toggle being extended and said member depressed against the tension of said spring and the toggle being flexed and said member shifted under the tension of said spring as said lever is pivotally shifted in opposite directions.

29. In an electric circuit-breaker, a springpressed reciprocal member, pivoted co-operable contact-members having pivoted link connection with said member adapted on reciprocations of said member for swingable actuation toward and from each other to respectively close and open the circuit, and means for actuating said member against the tension of the spring for effecting swingable actuation of the contact-members into circuit closing-engagement, said means including a pair of pivotally connected toggle-links having pivoted connection at an end of one of the links with said member, a pivoted lever having pivoted connection at an end with the other of said links, and co-operating abutments in said links for limiting relative pivotal movement thereof in one direction, the links being extended and said member depressed against the tension of said spring and the links being fiexed and said member shifted under the tension of said spring as said lever is pivotally shifted in opposite directions.

30. In an electric circuit-breaker, a springpressed reciprocal member, pivoted co-operable contact-members having pivoted link connection with said member adapted on reciprocations of said member for swingable actuation toward and from each other to respectively close and open the circuit, and means for actuating said member against the tension of the spring for effecting swngable actuation vof the contact-members into circuit closing-engagement, said means including a pair of pivotally connected toggle-links having pivoted connection at an end of lone of the links with said member, a pivoted lever having ivoted connection at an end with the other o said links, and pairs of vco-operating abutments on the links and lever for limiting relative pivotal movement thereof, the links being extended and said member depressed against the tension of said spring and the links being flexed and said member shifted under the tension of said spring as said lever is pivotally shifted in opposite directions.

31. In an electric circuit-breaker, co-operable contact-members movable in opposed directions for engagement and disengagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, means including a toggle comprising a pivoted lever and a foldable link for actuating the contact members into circuitclosing engagement, and means for automatically tripping the toggle to eli'ect diseiigagement of the contact-members to open the circuit.

32. ln an electric circuit-breaker, co-opei'- able contact-members swingable in opposed directions for engagement and disengagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, means including a toggle comprising a pivoted lever and a foldable link for swingably actuating the contact-members into engaging and disengaging relation, and means for automatically tripping the toggle for effecting disengagement of the contactmembers to open the circuit.

33. In an electric circuit-breaker, co-operable contact-menibers adapted for swingable engagement and disengagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, a spring-pressed reciprocable block having pivoted link connection with the contact-members, means including a toggle for actuating said block against the tension of the spring for moving the contact-members into circuit-closing engaging relation, and means for automatically tripping the toggle for permitting movement of the block under the tension of the spring for effecting disengagement of the contact-members to open the circuit.

34. In an electric circuit-breaker, co-operable contact-members adapted for swingable engagement and disengagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, a spring-pressed reciprocable block having pivoted link connection with the contact members, means including a toggle foractuating said block against the. tension of the spring for swingably actuating the contact-members into circuit-closing engaging relation, and means including an electrically actuated armature-bar for automatically tripping the toggle for permitting movement of the block under the tension of the spring for effecting disengagement of the contact-members to open the circuit.

35. In an electric circuit-breaker, co-operable contact-members adapted for swingable engagement and disengagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, a

vspring-pressed reciprocable block having pivoted `link connection With the contactmembers, means including a toggle for actuating said block against the tension of the spring for swingably actuating the conta-ctmembers into circuit-closing engaging relation, said toggle having a rule-joint intermediate its ends, and means including an members movable in opposed directions for l engagement and disengagement for respectively closing or opening the circuit, a trip operative means including a pivoted lever and a foldable link for opening ysaid contact-members, and a separately operable trigger mechanism associated with said trip operative means.

38. In a circuit-breaker, in combination, separable contact-members movable in opposed directions for engagement and disengagement for respectively closing or opening the circuit, and a spring set toggle includin a lever and a foldablelink coupled to sai contact-members, said contact-members being engaged when said lever and link are disposed in linear directionagainst the pressure of said spring, said link being foldable to permit said spring to act to separate said contact members.

39. In a circuit-breaker, in combination, separable contact-members movable in opposed directions for engagement and disenga ement for respectively closing or opening t e circuit, a spring set toggle including a lever and a foldable link coupled to said contact-members, said contact-members being engaged When said lever and link are 45 disposed in linear direction against the pressure of said spring, said link being foldable to permit said spring to act to separate said contact members, and a trigger mechanism adapted to cause said link to fold.

40. A circuit-breaker comprising contactmembers swingably movable in opposed directions for engagement and disengagement to close and open the circuit, and a trip mechanism 4for actuating the contact-members, said trip mechanism including a toggle comprising a pivoted -lever and a foldable link, the contact-members being in circuitclosing engagement when said lever and. link are disposed-in linear direction, said link being hinged to fold in one direction t0 disengage the contact-members to open the circuit,

-said toggle flexing in an opposite direction to also openthe' circuit at the contact-members, and means on said lever coacting with Said link to extend the link fnnn folded position as said toggle is flexed.

41. In a circuit-breaker, a plurality of pairs of separable contact-members, the contact members of each pair being movable in opposed directions for engagement and disengagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, an operative means lassociated with each of said pairs, said operative means including a toggle mechanism comprising a lever and a foldable link, and means coupling the several toggley mechanisms for simultaneously actuating the several respective pairs of contact-members into engaging relation.l y

42. In a circuit-breaker, a plurality of pairs of separable contact-members, the contact members of each pair being movable in opposed directions for engagement and disengagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, an operative means associated with each of said pairs, said operative means including a toggle mechanism comprising a lever and a foldable link and a trigger mechanism for tripping said toggle Amechanism, and means coupling the several toggle mechanisms adapted to be engaged by any one of the trigger mechanisms for simultaneously separating the several respective pairs of contact-members.

43. In an electric circuit-breaker, co-operable contact-members adapted for movement into and out of engagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, means for manually actuating the contact-members into and out of engagement for normally closing and opening the circuit, said means including a toggle, a yieldingly reciprocable block, a pivoted lever, and a foldable link intermediate the block and lever and means for automatically tripping the toggle for actuating the contact-members to open the circuit on the occurrence of an abnormal condition therein. f

44. In an electric circuit-breaker, co-operable contact-members adapted for swingable movement into and out of engagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, means for manually actuating the contact- `members swingably into and out of engagement for normally closing and opening the circuit, said means including a toggle, a yieldingly reciprocable block, a pivoted lever, and a foldable link intermediate the block and lever, the contact-members having pivoted connection with the block and means for automatically tripping the toggle for actuating the contact-members swin ably to open the circuit on the occurrence og an abnormal condition therein.

45. In an electric circuit-breaker, co-operable contact-members adapted for swingable movement into and out of engagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, means including a yieldingly reciprocable block, a pivoted lever, and a foldable'to glelink connection between the block and ever for manually actuating the contact-members swingably into and out of engagement for normally closing and opening the circuit, and electrically operable means for automatically tripping said connection for actuating the contact-members swingablyto open the circuit on the occurrence of an abnormal condition therein.

46. In an electric circuit-breaker, co-operable contact-members adapted for swingable movement in opposed directions for engagement and disengagement for respectively closing and opening the circuit, means including a pivoted lever and a oldable togglelink connection for manually actuating the contact-members swingably into and out of engagement for normally closing and opening the circuit, and electrically operable -means for automatically tripping said connection for sWingably actuating the contactmembers out of engagement to open the circuit on the occurrence of an abnormal conly of the housing on disengagement of the contact members for visionally indicating exteriorly the housing the out of engagement relation of said members.

48. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, co-operable contact-members simultaneously movable in opposed directions into and out of engagement for closing and opening the circuit, and means including a tog le comprising a lever and a foldable link or simultaneously moving the contact-members into and out of engagement.

49. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, co-operable contact-members simultaneously swmgable in opposed directions into and out of engagement for elosin and opening the circuit, and means includin a toggle comprising a lever and a foldable link for simultaneously swinging the contactmembers toward and from each other and into and out of engagement.

50. In an electric circuit-breaker, in combination, a housing, a member mounted -for reciprocable movement in the housing, Co-

i operable contact-members mounted pivotally in the housing for swingable movement into and out of engagement to close and open the clrcuit, links pivotally connected to the shift- In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification. i

LYMAN C. REED. 

